Principal Ecologist

Penguin Recruitment; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in ecology is seeking a Principal Ecologist in Peterborough to manage high-profile ecological projects. Responsibilities include authoring ecological reports, providing training, and engaging with stakeholders. Candidates must have a degree in Ecology and CIEEM membership. The role offers competitive salary and extensive career progression opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave

Flexible working opportunities

Accredited professional training

Qualifications

• Hold a Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree in Ecology or a related discipline.
• Full Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
• Excellent working knowledge of UK planning systems and environmental legislation.

Responsibilities

• Managing complex ecology sector projects including renewable energy and commercial projects.
• Authoring and reviewing ecological reports including EcIA and HRA.
• Providing in-house training and support to other team members.

Skills

Ecology Knowledge

Project Management

Communication Skills

Ecological Mitigation Design

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Ecology

Full Membership of CIEEM

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Principal Ecologist

Location: Cambridge

Salary: £43,000 - £53,000

Reference: CJD12025J

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a trusted, innovative multidisciplinary consultancy, lending their specialist services to a diverse range of projects across the ecological landscape. The client is seeking a driven, experienced Principal Ecologist to take on challenging projects alongside a growing team of professionals across the renewable energy, residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors, based in Cambridge.

Benefits

• A competitive salary
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Flexible working opportunities, and Time off in Lieu (TOIL)
• A collaborative working environment, encouraging innovative, diverse ideas
• Accredited professional training programmes
• Extensive career progression opportunities

Responsibilities

• Managing complex, high-profile work across the ecology sector, including renewable energy, residential, and commercial projects throughout the East of England
• Authoring and reviewing ecological reports, including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA), and Environmental Statement (ES) Ecology Chapters
• Providing in-house training, support, and line management to other members of the team
• Working collaboratively with other ecologists
• Engaging with clients and stakeholders, including Local Authorities and other public and private bodies
• Completing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments, interpreting data across the Biodiversity Metric, delivering practical solutions
• Managing projects, including preparation of fee proposals and tenders, adhering to budget and timescales
• Designing and implementing Ecological Mitigation Strategies, including Mitigation Licences for species such as bats, dormice, water voles, badgers, and great crested newts

Qualifications and Experience

• Hold a Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree (or equivalent) in Ecology or a related discipline
• Full Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
• Hold a minimum of one Protected Species Survey Licence
• Excellent working knowledge of UK planning systems and environmental legislation
• Competent in UK Habitat Classification and Habitat Condition Assessments
• Experience in designing and carrying out ecology surveys and translating findings into ecological assessments
• Demonstrable experience in ecological mitigation design and delivery, including Protected Species Licensing and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)
• Excellent time management and communication (written and verbal) skills
• Hold a full, valid UK driving licence with business insurance, and willingness to travel to regional sites

Desirable

• Protected Species Survey Licences for bats and great crested newts
• Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) Level 4
• Willingness to stay overnight at some sites across the East of England

How to Apply

If you are interested in the role of Principal Ecologist, please contact the Ecology Team at Penguin Recruitment. This is a permanent role. Penguin Recruitment is operating as a recruitment agency in respect to this vacancy.

Job Details

• Company: Penguin Recruitment
• Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
• Posted: Sep 13th 2025
• Closes: Oct 14th 2025
• Sector: Consulting
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full Time